Hemmings Find of the Day – 1928 Studebaker Dictator pickup

In their decade-long production, no Studebaker Dictator pickups were ever built by the South Bend manufacturer, meaning that this 1928 Studebaker Dictator pickup for sale on Hemmings.com was custom-built by a previous owner. It features a recent restoration with the original six-cylinder engine, now mated to a more contemporary Volvo four-speed transmission. Though not perfect (the paint carries a few scratches, and the speedometer is in need of repair), there’s no denying that the truck certainly is an interesting addition to anyone’s collection. From the seller’s description:

This is a rare 1928 Studebaker Dictator GE pickup that underwent a frame-off restoration prior to my purchase of it two years ago. Studebaker did not build domestic pickups during this era – this vehicle began it’s life as a sedan and was converted by an early owner to a pickup. It lived most of it’s life in the Southwest until finally being ressurected and restored. It has the original flathead 6cyl engine, mated to a newer volvo transmission to give it four gears instead of the basic three. It has been converted to 12V with an added alternator and electric fuel pump. The carburetor is an updraft Carter with an added air filter. Since I have had it the Radiator has been tested, carburetor updated, and a period correct radiator cap located (which has not had the chrome replated) along with the normal annual maintenance. It does have some minor paint blemishes and a few small scratches, and the speedometer has never worked since I have owned it. This vehicle has been featured in the Antique Studebaker Magazine (of which I can provide a copy of for verification of the restoration project) and is quite the attention-getter at all the local car shows. It is fully titled and registered, as well as stored in a garage.

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geomechssays:

July 20, 2013 11:39 am

I’ve seen a lot of trucks that were made from cars (mostly to qualify for more gas rations during the war) but I don’t think I’ve seen one as well done as this. A first impression would be that it came like that from the factory. Very nicely done although I have a problem with converting it to 12V when those old 6V systems work just fine. I also can’t understand why the transmission substitute, unless the original one wasn’t worth rebuilding. Of course I tend to be somewhat of a purist when it comes to any old car/truck. It would still look good at my place.

Stone the crowssays:

July 21, 2013 12:01 am

raysays:

July 21, 2013 2:18 am

……..cute curiosity, great movie or parade car, but wildly enthusiastic price for a customized antique……too bad, realistic asking price may have attracted some interest for what looks like a solid build.

Stone the crowssays:

July 21, 2013 9:36 pm

Dellsays:

July 22, 2013 5:31 am

The transmission and electrical updates make sense to me, if the owner intended to do a lot of driving, especially in heavy traffic or highways.
The original transmission was geared for 1928 – in other words, speeds rarely over 50, if even that, and far less traffic. Driving a non synchro first gear isn’t fun anymore.
As for the electrics, I would expect that to be more for the electric fuel pump, a change also made in the name of making it compatible with driving in today’s world.